What You Need to Know About Medicaid Rehab for Veterans

Drug and Alcohol abuse is a significant concern among many veterans in the United States. Substance abuse is more prevalent among veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The men and women who safeguard our nation in different service capacities may suffer catastrophic injuries or witness terrifying events. Such events can trigger severe symptoms such as anxiety, uncontrollable thoughts, nightmares, and flashbacks. Veterans may resort to substance abuse while trying to cope with these symptoms. However, continued use of drugs or alcohol can easily lead to addiction. Research shows that approximately one in every 10 veterans struggles with substance use disorder after returning from deployment.

Fortunately, treatment for drug and alcohol addiction is available throughout the nation. You can find several rehab centers that have specialized programs for veterans. Even if you or a family member who is a veteran has inadequate funds to pay for the rehab treatment, you may be able to receive financial assistance through Medicaid. This insurance program can help you pay for drug and alcohol treatment, including residential rehab, outpatient treatment, and medication-assisted treatment. Here are more details on how Medicaid can help veterans seeking rehab treatment.

What Is Medicaid?

Many U.S. residents rely on Medicaid, a joint federal-state insurance program designed to help low-income individuals access healthcare. It is run by state and local governments within federal guidelines. This program helps pay for treatment costs, including premiums, deductibles, and copays. Veterans struggling with drug or alcohol addiction can use Medicaid to pay for some aspects of their rehab treatment costs. More than 1.75 million veterans use Medicaid insurance to some extent.

Who Is Eligible for Medicaid?

In general, your income must meet the eligibility requirements, or you must be in a specially covered group to be eligible for Medicaid coverage. If you are a veteran with an income that is at or below 133% of the federal poverty level (FPL), you meet the eligibility requirements. In some cases, you may still be eligible for Medicaid coverage if your income exceeds the guideline. You need to speak to someone at the Medicaid office in your state to verify that you qualify for coverage.

Does Medicaid Cover Substance Use Disorder Rehab Treatment?

Veterans with Medicaid insurance can use it to cover drug or alcohol addiction treatment to some extent. Typically, clients who qualify for Medicaid don’t owe a copay for treatment. However, out-of-pocket costs vary from state to state.

Addiction treatment services covered by Medicaid insurance include:

• Drug testing
• Initial screening
• Detoxification
• Interventions
• Family counseling
• Dual diagnosis treatment

Does Medicaid Insurance Cover Mental Health Treatment?

The Medicaid programs offered in every state provide some coverage for mental health treatment. Some of the most common services offered are:

• Therapy
• Peer support
• Medication management
• Counseling
• Social work services

Addiction Treatment Programs Covered by Medicaid

Medicaid also covers major substance use disorder (SUD) programs. Rehab centers provide one of the most effective ways of helping veterans recover from drug and alcohol addiction. These facilities have professionals who guide veterans on the best ways to recover and return to productive lives. However, the rehab procedures and type of treatment can vary in frequency and intensity in different facilities. If you’re seeking drug and alcohol addiction treatment covered by Medicaid, here are some major recovery options that you can access.

Medication Assisted Treatment

In many cases, veterans in addiction rehab centers will need some form of medication to reduce the impact of withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Some of the common medicines used are buprenorphine, naltrexone, and methadone. Treatment also combines therapeutic techniques and counseling, which play a significant role in keeping the client dedicated in the early stages of the recovery journey. This method is called medication-assisted treatment (MAT). You’ll receive 24/7 medical supervision to safely withdraw from addiction since it can be an uncomfortable or even life-threatening experience. Withdrawal symptoms that many clients may experience include depression, hallucinations, irritability, fatigue, and muscle pain.

Again, Medicaid insurance coverage for MAT can also vary depending on the state plan. Some states may cover it for a specific timeframe with strict guidelines, while other plans don’t cover it at all.

Residential Treatment Rehab

Medicaid can also cover inpatient drug and alcohol treatment. However, the eligible rehab facilities, the duration of the treatment program, and the coverage amount may vary from state to state. Within residential rehab centers, veterans stay on-site for weeks or months until treatment is complete. Depending on a veteran’s needs, more extended stays in the facility may be approved. You can consult a treatment specialist to determine the inpatient stay covered by your Medicaid plan to avoid any unexpected fees during treatment.

In a residential program, you get round-the-clock supervision from medical professionals in a safe environment. Depending on your needs and the levels of care in a rehab facility, this treatment program can also include counseling, employment training, re-socialization through skill development, and individual and group therapy. This program is vital in helping veterans develop resilience and effective strategies for avoiding relapse as they reenter everyday civilian life.

Outpatient Treatment Rehab

In outpatient treatment programs, veterans can spend about three hours a day for two to seven days a week at the rehab center. Unlike the residential program, you live at home and continue with your daily activities without staying overnight in the treatment facility. This program is effective, especially for individuals who want to balance their life but need professional help. You can attend outpatient treatment at a doctor’s office, mental health clinic, rehab center, community health clinic, or hospital. You’ll receive similar treatment options offered in the inpatient program but at less intense levels. Your Medicaid coverage can help pay for several outpatient services, including support groups, therapy, counseling, and medications such as methadone and buprenorphine.

Partial Hospitalization Program

Also called day treatment, this program requires you to participate in treatment during the day while living at home. There are interdisciplinary teams in this program that includes both clinical and medical support staff. This team is qualified to treat unstable or complex medical conditions. They also help clients who require high mental or health support levels but don’t need round-the-clock supervision. You get about 20 hours per week of intensive treatment in a structured setting.

Intensive Outpatient Program

In intensive outpatient programs, clients can participate in treatment a few times a week, mainly in the evenings. This is a good choice for individuals with family and work obligations that can prevent them from attending more intensive sessions. Also, this program has defined and measurable milestones that indicate your progress in the treatment journey. As you attain more milestones, you spend less time at the rehab facility.

Aftercare

After completing an addiction treatment program, you can’t automatically go home. Going through an aftercare plan is crucial for successful recovery because addiction requires life-long maintenance. Besides, returning to your everyday triggers in civilian life can make your long-term sobriety journey difficult.

Going through aftercare helps veterans maintain sobriety after leaving rehab centers, avoid relapse, and learn the best ways to live purposeful lives. If a relapse does occur, an addiction aftercare program can assist you in getting back on track without returning to a rehab center. Several studies on aftercare have shown that this program significantly improves chances of maintaining sobriety over the long term. You’ll also learn new ways to fill your time and get the necessary support when staying sober seems difficult. Aftercare plans include individual therapy, group counseling, a 12-step program, and outpatient treatment.

How Can You Find Rehab Facilities That Accept Medicaid?

Finding a rehab center that focuses on veterans at affordable rates can be somewhat frustrating. This is where Medicaid comes in to assist you in reducing or even eliminating the cost of rehab treatment. This way, you can concentrate on making a full recovery without worrying about the cost.

Some veterans’ rehab facilities accept Medicaid insurance coverage, but others don’t. You’ll need to confirm beforehand that a specific rehab center you have in mind accepts Medicaid. Talk to your treatment specialist to make sure you know all the requirements before heading to a rehab center. This can include getting the required paperwork or a medical evaluation from a primary care provider.

Begin Veteran Drug and Alcohol Addiction Rehab Today

Drug and alcohol addiction is a serious issue among many veterans. But this doesn’t mean that those struggling with this problem can’t overcome it and return to rewarding everyday lives. With the right support from family and friends alongside proper treatment methods, you can gain full recovery and return to civilian life, participate meaningfully in family activities, and get back to work or school.

Although seeking help for substance abuse is one of the most difficult decisions you can make as a veteran, it’s vital for your well-being in the long term. Our team at Veterans Rehab is ready to help you start your journey to recovery. The first step in seeking help for your addiction is accepting that you need help. Reach out to us, and we’ll take you through the recovery process and help you return to a normal, healthy, and productive life.